Air-treatment apparatus for use with building

ABSTRACT

An air-treatment apparatus is for use with a building having a building air-duct circuit. The air-treatment apparatus includes an air-handler assembly configured to urge the flow of heat along the building air-duct circuit of the building. A vapour-expansion cycle assembly is configured to receive heat from the air-handler assembly. The vapour-expansion cycle assembly is also configured to circulate a refrigerant in response to the refrigerant receiving the heat from the air-handler assembly. This is done in such a way that the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate, and the refrigerant that circulates is used to generate alternating-current electricity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) anair-treatment apparatus for use with a building (and method therefor).

BACKGROUND

An existing air handler (also called an air-handling unit) is a deviceused to regulate and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating,and air-conditioning system. The air handler may include a large metalbox containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks orchambers, sound attenuators, and dampers. The air handler is configuredto connect to a ductwork ventilation system (that is installed in thebuilding). The ductwork ventilation system is configured to distributethe conditioned air (also called, treated air) through the building, andto return the treated air to the air handler. Optionally, the airhandler is configured to discharge (supply) and admit (return) airdirectly to and from the space served without ductwork.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least inpart) at least one problem associated with the existing air handlers(also called the existing technology). After much study of the knownsystems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of theproblem and its solution has been identified and is articulated asfollows:

To operate the existing air handlers, electric power provided by theelectric utility is connected to the existing air handlers. The problemassociated with existing air handlers is that when the electric utilityno longer functions to provide electric power used to operate theexisting air handlers, the existing air handlers fail to function(thereby, not provide treated air, such as heated air, etc.). Thissituation is most inconvenient in the winter months (relatively coldertimes of the year) when heating is considered an essential requirementto maintain an operational building.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first majoraspect) an air-treatment apparatus for use with a building having abuilding air-duct circuit. The air-treatment apparatus includes anair-handler assembly configured to urge the flow of heat along thebuilding air-duct circuit of the building. A vapour-expansion cycleassembly is configured to receive heat from the air-handler assembly,and is also configured to circulate a refrigerant in response to therefrigerant receiving the heat from the air-handler assembly. This isdone in such a way that the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant tocirculate, and the refrigerant that circulates is used to generatealternating-current electricity.

A technical effect of the first major embodiment (there are manytechnical effects) is that the alternating-current electricity that isgenerated may be used to power (operate) the air-treatment apparatus insuch a way that the air-treatment apparatus may continue to provide heatto the building (especially during the winter months for the case wherethe electric utility no longer provides electricity to power theair-treatment apparatus). Another technical effect for the first majorembodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that is generatedmay be used to power (operate) various electrical systems installed inthe building (either with or without using the alternating-currentelectricity that is generated to power the air-treatment apparatus).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first majoraspect) an air-treatment apparatus for use with a building having abuilding air-duct circuit. The air-treatment apparatus includes anair-handler assembly configured to (A) interface with the buildingair-duct circuit of the building; (B) generate heat; and (C) urge theflow of the heat that was generated along the building air-duct circuitof the building. A vapour-expansion cycle assembly is configured tointerface with the air-handler assembly. The vapour-expansion cycleassembly includes a refrigerant flow circuit configured to: (A) receiveheat from the air-handler assembly; and (B) circulate a refrigerant inresponse to the refrigerant receiving the heat from the air-handlerassembly. This is done in such a way that the heat, in use, urges therefrigerant to circulate along the refrigerant flow circuit. Therefrigerant that circulates along the refrigerant flow circuit is usedto generate alternating-current electricity.

A technical effect (there are many technical effects) for the secondmajor embodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that isgenerated may be used to power (operate) the air-treatment apparatus insuch a way that the air-treatment apparatus may continue to provide heatto the building (especially during the winter months for the case wherethe electric utility no longer provides electricity to power theair-treatment apparatus). Another technical effect for the second majorembodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that is generatedmay be used to power (operate) various electrical systems installed inthe building (either with or without using the alternating-currentelectricity that is generated to power the air-treatment apparatus).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first majoraspect) an air-treatment apparatus for use with a building having abuilding air-duct circuit, and the building being surrounded by outdoorair. The building has a fuel delivered thereto. The air-treatmentapparatus includes an air-handler assembly including: (A) a combustiongas-flow circuit being configured to receive the outdoor air and toreceive the fuel in such a way that the fuel is burned therebygenerating heat; and (B) a handler air-flow circuit being configured tointerface with the building air-duct circuit and also being configuredto interface with the combustion gas-flow circuit in such a way that theheat (that was generated, at least in part, in the combustion gas-flowcircuit) flows at least in part along the building air-duct circuit ofthe building. A vapour-expansion cycle assembly includes a refrigerantflow circuit configured to: (A) interface with the combustion gas-flowcircuit of the air-handler assembly and the handler air-flow circuit ofthe air-handler assembly; (B) receive the heat that was generated by thecombustion gas-flow circuit of the air-handler assembly and from theheat that flows, at least in part, along the handler air-flow circuit ofthe air-handler assembly; and (C) circulate a refrigerant in response tothe refrigerant receiving the heat that was generated by the combustiongas-flow circuit of the air-handler assembly and from the heat thatflows, at least in part, along the handler air-flow circuit of theair-handler assembly in such a way that the heat, in use, urges therefrigerant to circulate along the refrigerant flow circuit, and therefrigerant that circulates along the refrigerant flow circuit is usedto generate alternating-current electricity.

A technical effect (there are many technical effects) for the thirdmajor embodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that isgenerated may be used to power (operate) the air-treatment apparatus insuch a way that the air-treatment apparatus may continue to provide heatto the building (especially during the winter months for the case wherethe electric utility no longer provides electricity to power theair-treatment apparatus). Another technical effect for the thirdembodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that is generatedmay be used to power (operate) various electrical systems installed inthe building (either with or without using the alternating-currentelectricity that is generated to power the air-treatment apparatus).

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may nowbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdetailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (SHEETS 1 to 5 of 17 SHEETS)depict side views of embodiments of an air-treatment apparatus;

FIG. 5 (SHEET 6 of 17 SHEETS) depicts a schematic view of an embodimentof a piping structure of the air-treatment apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B (SHEET 7 and 8 of 17 SHEETS) depict schematic viewsof embodiments of the air-treatment apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7 (SHEET 9 of 17 SHEETS) depicts a schematic view of an embodimentof an electrical structure of the air-treatment apparatus of FIG. 1A;and

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E, FIG. 8F, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10(SHEETS 10 to 17 of 17 SHEETS) depict schematic views of embodiments ofa control process for the air-treatment apparatus of FIG. 1A.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the severalfigures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not beendrawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figuresmay be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating anunderstanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common,but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary incommercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide aless obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   100 air-treatment apparatus-   102 return air duct-   103 return airflow-   104 supply air duct-   105 supply air flow-   106 filter assembly-   108 condenser assembly-   110 pump assembly-   112 supply fan-   114 system controller-   116 first expander assembly-   117 second expander assembly-   118 evaporator assembly-   120 mixing duct-   121 exhaust gas flow-   122 inverter assembly-   124 pump controller-   126 exhaust fan-   128 first battery-   130 second battery-   132 air intake vent-   133 air intake flow-   134 exhaust duct-   135 gas burner assembly-   136 dilution gas duct-   137 dilution gas flow-   138 primary heat exchanger-   139 combustion gas flow-   142 motor-   144 motor-   146 fan motor-   150 first generator assembly-   154 second generator assembly-   156 primary heat exchanger-   157 mixing node-   158 burner assembly-   160 exhaust gas vent-   162 air intake vent-   164 building air supply-   166 building air return-   200 piping structure-   202 pressure sensor-   204 fill valve-   206 temperature sensor-   208 refrigerant state-   210 refrigerant state-   212 refrigerant state-   214 refrigerant state-   216 filter drier assembly-   218 refrigerant high-pressure pressure switch-   300 mechanical structure-   302 combustion gas-flow circuit-   304 handler airflow circuit-   306 refrigerant flow circuit-   308 expander assembly-   310 generator assembly-   400 electrical structure-   402 first motor controller-   404 second motor controller-   408 gas valve-   410 first switch-   412 second switch-   414 exhaust pressure switch-   416 exhaust high temperature switch-   418 primary heat exchanger high temperature switch-   420 primary heat exchanger flame sensor switch-   422 thermostat fan mode switch-   424 thermostat cooling mode switch-   426 heating mode switch-   428 first rectifier assembly-   430 second rectifier assembly-   432 electric utility grid-   434 battery assembly-   500 control process-   502 to 580 operation-   600 control process-   602 to 620 operation-   700 control process-   702 to 716-   800 air-handler assembly-   802 vapour-expansion cycle assembly-   812 heat-exchanger assembly-   814 pre-heater assembly-   900 building-   901 working surface-   902 outdoor air-   903 building air-duct circuit-   904 fuel-   912 building thermostat-   914 air conditioner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is notintended to limit the described embodiments or the application and usesof the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or“illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. All of the implementations described below areexemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the artto make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is definedby the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,”“rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. Thereis no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in thepreceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detaileddescription. It is also to be understood that the devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/orconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are notto be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalentto “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options,variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are describedregarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention islimited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that theinvention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted anddescribed.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict side views ofembodiments of an air-treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 1A depicts a topview of an embodiment of the air-treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 1Bdepicts a cross-sectional frontal side view through a cross-sectionalline A-A of an embodiment of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A,in which a panel section is removed to expose the interior of theair-treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side viewthrough a cross-sectional line B-B of an embodiment of the air-treatmentapparatus 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional side viewthrough a cross-sectional line C-C of an embodiment of the air-treatmentapparatus 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side viewthrough a cross-sectional line D-D of an embodiment of the air-treatmentapparatus 100 of FIG. 2.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1A, the air-treatmentapparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combinationof an air-handler assembly 800 and a vapour-expansion cycle assembly802. The air-handler assembly 800 may be called the AH sub-system. Thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 may be called the vapour-expansioncycle sub-system.

Referring to FIG. 1B, there is depicted embodiments of a working surface901, a return air duct 102, a return airflow 103, a supply air duct 104,a supply air flow 105, a filter assembly 106, a condenser assembly 108(also called a condenser coil), a pump assembly 110, a supply fan 112, asystem controller 114, a first expander assembly 116, a second expanderassembly 117, an evaporator assembly 118 (also called an evaporatorcoil), a mixing duct 120, and an inverter assembly 122.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is depicted an embodiment of a return airduct 102, a return airflow 103, a supply air duct 104, a supply air flow105, a condenser assembly 108, a pump assembly 110, supply fan 112, asystem controller 114, a first expander assembly 116, an evaporatorassembly 118, a mixing duct 120, an inverter assembly 122, a dilutiongas duct 136, a primary heat exchanger 138.

Referring to FIG. 3, there are depicted embodiments of a supply air duct104, a supply air flow 105, a condenser assembly 108, a pump assembly110, a first expander assembly 116, a second expander assembly 117, anevaporator assembly 118, a mixing duct 120, an exhaust gas flow 121, aninverter assembly 122, a pump controller 124, an exhaust fan 126, afirst battery 128, and a second battery 130.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is depicted embodiments of a supply air duct104, a supply air flow 105, a supply fan 112, a mixing duct 120, airintake vent 132 (also called venting), an air intake flow 133, anexhaust duct 134, a gas burner assembly 135, a dilution gas duct 136, adilution gas flow 137 and a primary heat exchanger 138 (also called acombustion gas duct), a combustion gas flow 139.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a piping structure200 of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is depicted embodiments of a pressure sensor202 (pressure gauge), a fill valve 204, a temperature sensor 206(temperature gauge), a filter drier assembly 216, and a refrigeranthigh-pressure pressure switch 218. A refrigerant (R245fa refrigerant) isused (deployed). The refrigerant may exist in any one of a refrigerantstate 208 (saturated liquid), a refrigerant state 210 (superheatedvapour), a refrigerant state 212 (saturated vapour), and a refrigerantstate 214 (subcooled liquid).

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict schematic views of embodiments of theair-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A. More specifically, FIG. 6Bdepicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a mechanical structure 300of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 6B, there is depicted embodiments of a motor 142, amotor 144, a fan motor 146, a first generator assembly 150, a secondgenerator assembly 154, a primary heat exchanger 156, a burner assembly158, an exhaust gas vent 160 (venting), an air intake vent 162(venting), a building air supply 164 and a building air return 166.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6A,the air-treatment apparatus 100 is for use with a building 900 having abuilding air-duct circuit 903. In accordance with a first generalembodiment, the air-treatment apparatus 100 includes (and is not limitedto) a synergistic combination of an air-handler assembly 800 and avapour-expansion cycle assembly 802. The air-handler assembly 800 isconfigured to urge the flow of heat along the building air-duct circuit903 of the building 900. The vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 isconfigured to receive, at least in part, heat from the air-handlerassembly 800. The vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 is also configuredto circulate, at least in part, a refrigerant in response to therefrigerant receiving, at least in part, the heat from the air-handlerassembly 800. This is done in such a way that the heat, in use, urgesthe refrigerant to circulate. The refrigerant that circulates is used,at least in part, to generate alternating-current electricity. It willbe appreciated that there are many ways and systems for implementing thegeneration of alternating-current electricity (examples of which aredescribed below).

A technical effect (there are many technical effects) for theembodiments is that the alternating-current electricity that isgenerated may be used to power (operate) the air-treatment apparatus 100in such a way that the air-treatment apparatus 100 may continue toprovide heat to the building 900 (especially during the winter monthsfor the case where the electric utility no longer provides electricityto power the air-treatment apparatus 100). Another technical effect forthe embodiment is that the alternating-current electricity that isgenerated may be used to power (operate) various electrical systemsinstalled in the building 900 (either with or without using thealternating-current electricity that is generated to power theair-treatment apparatus 100).

In view of the general embodiment, there is provided a method for airtreatment for use with the building 900 having the building air-ductcircuit 903. The method includes (and is not limited to): (A) urgingflow of heat from an air-handler assembly 800 along the buildingair-duct circuit 903 of the building 900; and (B) circulating, at leastin part, a refrigerant in response to the refrigerant receiving, atleast in part, the heat from the air-handler assembly 800 in such a waythat the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate, and therefrigerant that circulates is used, at least in part, to generatealternating-current electricity.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6A,and also in accordance with a second general embodiment, theair-treatment apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) asynergistic combination of the air-handler assembly 800 and thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802. The air-handler assembly 800 isconfigured to interface with the building air-duct circuit 903 of thebuilding 900. The air-handler assembly 800 is also configured togenerate heat. The air-handler assembly 800 is also configured to urgethe flow of the heat that was generated along the building air-ductcircuit 903 of the building 900. The vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802is configured to interface with the air-handler assembly 800. Thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 includes a refrigerant flow circuit306. The refrigerant flow circuit 306 is configured to receive, at leastin part, heat from the air-handler assembly 800. The refrigerant flowcircuit 306 is also configured to circulate, at least in part, arefrigerant in response to the refrigerant receiving, at least in part,the heat from the air-handler assembly 800. This is done in such a waythat the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate along therefrigerant flow circuit 306, and the refrigerant that circulates alongthe refrigerant flow circuit 306 is used, at least in part, to generatealternating-current electricity.

In view of the second general embodiment, there is provided a method forair-treatment for use with a building 900 having a building air-ductcircuit 903. The method includes (A) interfacing an air-handler assembly800 with the building air-duct circuit 903 of the building 900; (B)using the air-handler assembly 800 to generate heat; (C) urging flow ofthe heat that was generated by the air-handler assembly 800 along thebuilding air-duct circuit 903 of the building 900; (D) interfacing avapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 with the air-handler assembly 800(and the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 includes a refrigerant flowcircuit 306); (E) receiving, at least in part, heat from the air-handlerassembly 800; and (F) circulating, at least in part, a refrigerant inresponse to the refrigerant receiving, at least in part, the heat fromthe air-handler assembly 800 in such a way that the heat, in use, urgesthe refrigerant to circulate along the refrigerant flow circuit 306, andthe refrigerant that circulates along the refrigerant flow circuit 306is used, at least in part, to generate alternating-current electricity.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6A,and also in accordance with a third general embodiment, theair-treatment apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) asynergistic combination of the air-handler assembly 800 and thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802. The air-treatment apparatus 100 isfor use with the building 900 having the building air-duct circuit 903.The building 900 is surrounded by outdoor air 902. The building 900 hasa fuel 904 delivered thereto (to the building 900). The air-handlerassembly 800 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combinationof a combustion gas-flow circuit 302 and a handler airflow circuit 304.The combustion gas-flow circuit 302 is configured to receive the outdoorair 902. The combustion gas-flow circuit 302 is also configured toreceive the fuel 904. This is done in such a way that the fuel 904 isburned, at least in part, thereby generating, at least in part, heat.The handler airflow circuit 304 is configured to interface with thebuilding air-duct circuit 903. The handler airflow circuit 304 is alsoconfigured to interface with the combustion gas-flow circuit 302. Thisis done in such a way that the heat that was generated, at least inpart, in the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 flows, at least in part,along the building air-duct circuit 903 of the building 900. Thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 includes (and is not limited to) arefrigerant flow circuit 306. The refrigerant flow circuit 306 isconfigured to interface with the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of theair-handler assembly 800. The refrigerant flow circuit 306 is alsoconfigured to interface with the handler airflow circuit 304 of theair-handler assembly 800. The refrigerant flow circuit 306 is alsoconfigured to: (A) receive, at least in part, the heat that wasgenerated by the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of the air-handlerassembly 800, and/or (B) receive, at least in part, the heat that flows,at least in part, along the handler airflow circuit 304 of theair-handler assembly 800. The refrigerant flow circuit 306 is alsoconfigured to circulate, at least in part, a refrigerant in response tothe refrigerant receiving, at least in part, (A) the heat that wasgenerated by the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of the air-handlerassembly 800 and/or (B) the heat that flows, at least in part, along thehandler airflow circuit 304 of the air-handler assembly 800. This isdone in such a way that the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant tocirculate along the refrigerant flow circuit 306. The refrigerant thatcirculates along the refrigerant flow circuit 306 is used, at least inpart, to generate alternating-current electricity.

In view of the third general embodiment, there is provided a method forair treatment for use with a building 900 having a building air-ductcircuit 903, and the building 900 being surrounded by outdoor air 902,and the building 900 having a fuel 904 being delivered thereto, and themethod including: (A) receiving the outdoor air 902 and also receivingthe fuel 904 via a combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of an air-handlerassembly 800 in such a way that the fuel 904 is burned, at least inpart, thereby generating, at least in part, heat; (B) interfacing ahandler airflow circuit 304 of the air-handler assembly 800 with (a) thebuilding air-duct circuit 903 and (b) the combustion gas-flow circuit302 (this is done in such a way that the heat that was generated, atleast in part, in the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 flows, at least inpart, along the building air-duct circuit 903 of the building 900); (C)interfacing a refrigerant flow circuit 306 of a vapour-expansion cycleassembly 802 with the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of the air-handlerassembly 800 and the handler airflow circuit 304 of the air-handlerassembly 800; (D) receiving, at least in part, (a) the heat that wasgenerated by the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of the air-handlerassembly 800 and/or the (b) heat that flows, at least in part, along thehandler airflow circuit 304 of the air-handler assembly 800; and (E)circulating, at least in part, a refrigerant in response to therefrigerant receiving, at least in part, (a) the heat that was generatedby the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 of the air-handler assembly 800and/or (b) the heat that flows (at least in part) along the handlerairflow circuit 304 of the air-handler assembly 800 in such a way thatthe heat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate along therefrigerant flow circuit 306, and the refrigerant that circulates alongthe refrigerant flow circuit 306 is used, at least in part, to generatealternating-current electricity.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the air-handler assembly 800 is (further) configured to bepositioned within the building 900. The air-handler assembly 800 isconfigured to be coupled to the building air-duct circuit 903. Theair-handler assembly 800 is configured to receive, at least in part, theflow of the outdoor air 902 and the flow of the fuel 904. Theair-handler assembly 800 is configured to burn, at least in part, thefuel 904 that was received by using the outdoor air 902 that wasreceived in such a way that the fuel 904 that is burned generates, atleast in part, heat. The air-handler assembly 800 is configured toprovide, at least in part, the heat that was generated by the buildingair-duct circuit 903 of the building 900.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 is further configuredto be positioned relative to the air-handler assembly 800. This is donein such a way that the heat is received from the air-handler assembly800.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 is further configuredto provide, at least in part, the heat, which was received and was notused (the heat was not used to urge the refrigerant) to convert into thealternating-current electricity, to the building 900.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 further includes agenerator assembly 310 configured to generate the alternating-currentelectricity. An expander assembly 308 is configured to be fluidlycoupled to the refrigerant flow circuit 306 in such a way thatcirculation of the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow circuit 306(in use) urges operation of the expander assembly 308. The expanderassembly 308 is also configured to be operatively connected to thegenerator assembly 310 in such a way that operation of the expanderassembly 308 causes the generator assembly 310 to generate thealternating-current electricity.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 further includes aninverter assembly 122 configured to receive, at least in part, thealternating-current electricity generated by the vapour-expansion cycleassembly 802. The inverter assembly 122 is further configured toconvert, at least in part, the alternating-current electricity that wasreceived from the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 intodirect-current electricity. A battery assembly 434 is configured toreceive, at least in part, the direct-current electricity from theinverter assembly 122. The battery assembly 434 is further configured tostore, at least in part, the direct-current electricity. The batteryassembly 434 is further configured to provide, at least in part, thedirect-current electricity to the air-handler assembly 800 and thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802. This is done in such a way that theair-handler assembly 800 and the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 areoperatively powered.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A, FIG.6B and FIG. 7, and also in accordance with a specific option of thegeneral embodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the inverter assembly 122 is further configured to receive, atleast in part, the alternating-current electricity from an electricutility grid 432 for the case where the alternating-current electricityis not received by the inverter assembly 122 from the vapour-expansioncycle assembly 802. The inverter assembly 122 is further configured toprovide, at least in part, the alternating-current electricity receivedfrom the electric utility grid 432 to the battery assembly 434.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the inverter assembly 122 is further configured to provide, atleast in part, the alternating-current electricity that was receivedfrom the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 for the case where thealternating-current electricity is required by the building 900.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 further includes aheat-exchanger assembly 812. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 isconfigured to receive, at least in part, exhaust air and heat from theair-handler assembly 800. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 is alsoconfigured to separate, at least in part, heat that was received fromthe exhaust air that was received. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 isalso configured to provide, at least in part, the heat that was removedfrom the exhaust air to the building 900. The heat-exchanger assembly812 is also configured to provide, at least in part, the exhaust airthat was received to the outdoor air 902 located outside of the building900.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 further includes asynergistic combination of a heat-exchanger assembly 812 and apre-heater assembly 814. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 is configuredto receive, at least in part, exhaust air and heat from the air-handlerassembly 800. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 is configured to separate,at least in part, heat that was received from the exhaust air that wasreceived. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 is configured to provide, atleast in part, the heat that was removed from the exhaust air to thepre-heater assembly 814. The heat-exchanger assembly 812 is configuredto provide, at least in part, the exhaust air that was received to theoutdoor air 902 located outside of the building 900. The pre-heaterassembly 814 is configured to receive, at least in part, the outdoor air902. The pre-heater assembly 814 is also configured to receive, at leastin part, the heat that was provided by the heat-exchanger assembly 812.The pre-heater assembly 814 is also configured to mix, at least in part,the outdoor air 902 that was received with the heat that was received.The pre-heater assembly 814 is also configured to provide, at least inpart, the outdoor air 902 that was mixed with heat to the air-handlerassembly 800.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the combustion gas-flow circuit 302 includes (and is notlimited to) a synergistic combination of an air intake vent 162, aburner assembly 158, a primary heat exchanger 156, a mixing node 157, anexhaust fan 126, a motor 142 and an exhaust gas vent 160. The air intakevent 162 is fluidly coupled to the burner assembly 158. The burnerassembly 158 is configured to receive the outdoor air 902 and the fuel904, and is also configured to burn (at least in part) the fuel 904 togenerate (at least in part) heat. The burner assembly 158 is fluidlycoupled to the primary heat exchanger 156. The primary heat exchanger156 is fluidly coupled to the mixing node 157. The mixing node 157 isfluidly coupled to an evaporator assembly 118 of the refrigerant flowcircuit 306. The exhaust fan 126 is fluidly coupled to the evaporatorassembly 118 of the refrigerant flow circuit 306. The motor 142 isoperatively connected to the exhaust fan 126 in such a way that themotor 142 (in use) turns the exhaust fan 126, and the exhaust fan 126urges flow of air along the combustion gas-flow circuit 302. The exhaustgas vent 160 is fluidly coupled to the exhaust fan 126.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the handler airflow circuit 304 includes (and is not limitedto) a synergistic combination of a building air supply 164, a buildingair return 166 and a supply fan 112. The building air return 166 isfluidly connected to the supply fan 112 having a fan motor 146operatively connected to the supply fan 112 in such a way that the fanmotor 146 urges the supply fan 112 to move air along the handler airflowcircuit 304. The supply fan 112 is fluidly connected to the condenserassembly 108 of the refrigerant flow circuit 306. The condenser assembly108 of the refrigerant flow circuit 306 is fluidly connected to theprimary heat exchanger 156 of the combustion gas-flow circuit 302. Thebuilding air supply 164 is fluidly coupled to the primary heat exchanger156 of the combustion gas-flow circuit 302.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the refrigerant flow circuit 306 includes (and is not limitedto) a synergistic combination of a condenser assembly 108, a pumpassembly 110 and an evaporator assembly 118. The condenser assembly 108is fluidly connected to the pump assembly 110. The pump assembly 110 hasa motor 144 operatively connected thereto in such a way that the pumpassembly 110, in use, circulates a refrigerant along the refrigerantflow circuit 306. The evaporator assembly 118 is fluidly connected tothe pump assembly 110. The evaporator assembly 118 is also fluidlyconnected to an expander assembly 308, and the expander assembly 308 isoperatively connected to the generator assembly 310 in such a way thatmovement of the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow circuit 306 urgesthe expander assembly 308 to rotate, and in response to rotation of theexpander assembly 308, the generator assembly 310 is made to rotate andgenerate alternating-current electricity. The evaporator assembly 118 isalso fluidly connected to the expander assembly 308.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, and also in accordance with a specific option of the generalembodiments (identified above and/or any other specific optionsdescribed herein), the air-treatment apparatus 100 is adapted in such away that the expander assembly 308 includes (and is not limited to) asynergistic combination of a first expander assembly 116 and a secondexpander assembly 117. The second expander assembly 117 is operativelycoupled to the first expander assembly 116. The generator assembly 310includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of) a firstgenerator assembly 150 and a second generator assembly 154. The firstgenerator assembly 150 is operatively coupled to the first expanderassembly 116. The second generator assembly 154 is operatively coupledto the second expander assembly 117. The first generator assembly 150and the second generator assembly 154 are connected together. This isdone in such a way that the first generator assembly 150 and the secondgenerator assembly 154 operatively provide the alternating-currentelectricity.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6B there is depicted the return airflow 103 (alsocalled, the building airflow). Cool building air is returned to theair-treatment apparatus 100 through the return air duct 102. This coolbuilding air first passes through the filter and is cleaned of any dirtor debris particles. The cool building air next passes through thecondenser coil where it experiences initial heating. The building airlastly passes across the primary heat exchanger 138 where the buildingair experiences final heating. The warm building air is supplied to theduct distribution system (of the building 900) through the supply airduct 104. The supply fan 112 circulates the building air through theair-treatment apparatus 100 and the duct distribution system of thebuilding 900.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6B, there is depicted the combustion gas flow 139.Combustion air enters the air-handler assembly 800 through the airintake pipe. Gaseous fuel is brought to the air-handler assembly 800through (via) the fuel pipe. Hot combustion gas is generated by theburner assembly 158 through combustion of the outdoor air 902 and thefuel 904. The hot combustion gas is directed through the primary heatexchanger 138 where a portion of the heat energy is transferredindirectly to the building air for final heating. The remainder of thehot combustion gas is directed to the mixing duct 120. Cooler dilutiongas from the vapour-expansion cycle assembly 802 is directed to themixing duct 120 through dilution gas pipes. The hot combustion gas andcooler dilution gas combine and mix in the mixing duct 120 to producewarm combustion gas. The warm combustion gas is then directed to thetransition and elbow duct fitting. The warm combustion gas then passesthrough the evaporator coil where a portion of the heat energy istransferred indirectly to the refrigerant. The gas leaving theevaporator coil is also known as cooler exhaust gas and is directed tothe exhaust duct 134. A portion of the cooler exhaust gas is directed tothe dilution gas pipes (where portion of the cooler exhaust gas is knownas dilution gas). The remainder of the cooler exhaust gas exits theair-handler assembly 800 through the exhaust gas pipe. The exhaust fan126 circulates combustion gas, dilution gas and exhaust gas through theair-treatment apparatus 100.

In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B, there is depicted a schematic drawing forthe refrigerant flow along the handler airflow circuit 304. Sub-cooledliquid refrigerant at high pressure enters the evaporator coil. Heat istransferred indirectly from the warm combustion gas to the evaporatorcoil where the refrigerant experiences an increase in enthalpy.Saturated vapour refrigerant at high pressure leaves the evaporator coiland is directed through a pipe to the first expander assembly 116.Saturated vapour refrigerant enters the first expander assembly 116 athigh pressure. The high-pressure refrigerant imparts mechanical work tothe first expander assembly 116 where the refrigerant experiences adecrease in enthalpy. The super-heated vapour refrigerant leaves thefirst expander assembly 116 at middle pressure and is directed through apipe to the second expander assembly 117. Super-heated vapourrefrigerant enters the second expander assembly 117 at middle pressure.The middle pressure refrigerant imparts mechanical work to the secondexpander assembly 117 where the refrigerant experiences a decrease inenthalpy. The super-heated vapour refrigerant leaves the second expanderassembly 117 at low pressure and is directed through a pipe to thecondenser coil. Super-heated vapour refrigerant at low pressure entersthe condenser coil. Heat is transferred indirectly from the condensercoil to the cool building air where the refrigerant experiences adecrease in enthalpy. Saturated liquid refrigerant at low pressureleaves the condenser coil and is directed through a pipe to the pump.Saturated liquid refrigerant at low pressure enters the pump. The pumpimparts mechanical work to the low-pressure refrigerant where therefrigerant experiences an increase in enthalpy. Sub-cooled liquidrefrigerant at high pressure leaves the pump and is directed through apipe to the evaporator coil.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of an electricalstructure 400 of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 7, there are depicted embodiments of a first motorcontroller 402, a second motor controller 404, a gas valve 408, a firstswitch 410, a second switch 412, an exhaust pressure switch 414, anexhaust high temperature switch 416, a primary heat exchanger hightemperature switch 418, a primary heat exchanger flame sensor switch420, a thermostat fan mode switch 422, a thermostat cooling mode switch424, a heating mode switch 426, a first rectifier assembly 428, a secondrectifier assembly 430, an electric utility grid 432, a battery assembly434 and an inverter assembly 122. The first switch 410 may be called arelay or a relay contact, and is configured to open if the refrigeranthigh-pressure pressure switch 218 is tripped in the vapour-expansioncycle assembly 802. The second switch 412 may be called a relay, and isconfigured to close when the gas valve 408 is energized, with timedelay.

The battery assembly 434 is electrically connected to the inverterassembly 122 that takes (receives) direct current power and converts thedirect current power that was received to alternating current power. Theinverter assembly 122 is directly powered with direct current from thebattery assembly 434. The system controller 114 is electricallyconnected to the alternating current output terminal of the inverterassembly 122. The electric utility grid 432 is electrically connected tothe alternating current input terminal of the inverter assembly 122. Theinverter assembly 122 contains (includes) control circuitry configuredto accept input power from the electric utility grid 432. The inputpower may be used to charge the battery assembly 434 and/or to power theconnected electrical loads directly through an automatic transfer switch(known and not depicted). The connected electrical loads receive outputpower from either the battery assembly 434 or the electric utility grid432 directly through the automatic transfer switch (known and notdepicted). The motor and motor controller of the supply fan 112 iselectrically connected to the system controller 114. A buildingthermostat 912 (depicted in FIG. 1A) is electrically connected to thesystem controller 114 (depicted in FIG. 1B).

For the case where a call for a cooling signal or a fan-only signal isreceived by the building thermostat 912, the system controller 114activates the supply fan 112 motor controller. The electrical loads takepower from the inverter assembly 122 and cause the battery assembly 434to gradually discharge. The electric utility grid 432 can be used togradually charge the battery assembly 434 in this case. If the electricutility grid 432 becomes inoperative (such as, power blackout), theair-treatment apparatus 100 (or the system controller 114) will berendered inoperative by the system controller 114 to avoid excessivedischarge of the battery assembly 434.

The battery assembly 434 is electrically connected to the inverterassembly 122 that takes direct-current power and converts thedirect-current power to alternating current power. The inverter assembly122 is directly powered with direct current from the battery assembly434. The system controller 114 is electrically connected to thealternating current output terminal of the inverter assembly 122. Theelectric utility grid 432 is electrically connected to the alternatingcurrent input terminal of the inverter assembly 122.

The inverter assembly 122 contains control circuitry to accept inputpower from either the generators of the expanders or the electricutility grid 432. The input power can be used to either charge thebattery assembly 434 or power the connected electrical loads directlythrough an automatic transfer switch. The connected electrical loadsreceive output power from either the battery assembly 434 or theelectric utility grid 432 directly through the automatic transferswitch.

The motor and the motor controller of the supply fan 112 areelectrically connected to the system controller 114. The motor of theexhaust fan 126 is electrically connected to the system controller 114.The motor and motor controller of the pump are electrically connected tothe system controller 114. The supply fan 112 motor controller, theexhaust fan 126 and the pump motor controller are powered withalternating current.

A building thermostat 912 is electrically connected to the systemcontroller 114. The control valve for the gaseous fuel supply to theburner assembly 158 is electrically connected to the system controller114. Other interlocks may include a refrigerant pressure switch, anexhaust gas pressure switch, an exhaust gas temperature switch, aprimary heat exchanger temperature switch, and a burner assembly flamesensor that are electrically connected to the system controller 114. Ahot surface ignitor and flame rollout switch (not shown) is electricallyconnected to the system controller 114.

The first generator assembly 150 of the first expander assembly 116 iselectrically connected to the first rectifier and buck converterassembly. The second generator assembly 154 of the second expanderassembly 117 is electrically connected to the second rectifier and buckconverter assembly. The first rectifier and buck converter assembly iselectrically connected to the direct current input terminal of theinverter assembly 122. The second rectifier and buck converter assemblyis electrically connected to the direct current input terminal of theinverter assembly 122.

When a call for a heating signal is received by the building thermostat912, the system controller 114 is configured to activate the exhaust fan126 motor, the control valve, the motor controller for the supply fan112 and the motor controller for the pump assembly 110 (in sequence).The electrical loads take power from the inverter assembly 122 and causethe battery assembly 434 to gradually discharge. When the firstgenerator assembly 150 and the second generator assembly 154 send powerback to the inverter assembly 122, the battery assembly 434 willgradually charge. The battery assembly 434 (also called a battery bank)will gradually discharge over time if there is no call for heat for anextended period of time. The electric utility grid 432 can be used togradually charge the battery assembly 434 in this case. For the casewhere the electric utility grid 432 becomes inoperative (such as a powerblackout), the air-treatment apparatus 100 may remain operational(because the electrical loads may be powered from the battery assembly434).

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E, FIG. 8F, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10depict schematic views of embodiments of a control process 500 for theair-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 8A to 8F depict schematic views of embodiments of a controlprocess 500 of the air-handler assembly 800 of FIG. 1.

The control process 500 (FIGS. 8A to 8F), the control process 600 (FIG.9) and the control process 700 (FIG. 10) include a collection ofcomputer-executable instructions tangibly stored on a processor-usablememory assembly. A system controller 114 is configured to access thememory assembly, and to read the computer-executable instructions, andto execute the instructions accordingly.

Some of the operations associated with the control process 500, thecontrol process 600 and the control process 700 are known to persons ofskill in the art, and these known operations may be provided byHONEYWELL (located in the USA, telephone 1-877-841-2840 or001-480-353-3020) or ICM CONTROLS (located in the USA, telephone1-800-365-5525).

The known operations of the control process 500, the control process 600and the control process 700 are used by several air handlermanufacturers including YORK (located in the USA, telephone 1 (877)874-7378) or WOLF STEEL INCORPORTATED (located in the USA, telephone 1(859) 428-9555).

An example of the known operations associated with the control process500, the control process 600 and the control process 700 are publishedby WOLF STEEL INC (publication date of Mar. 11, 2014). These knowncontrol operations are used by the 9200 SERIES SINGLE STAGE MULTIPOSITION HIGH EFFICIENCY FORCED AIR GAS FURNACE manufactured by WOLFSTEEL INC.

The control process 500 (also called an operation or operations) isconfigured to control the operation of the building thermostat 912 inheating mode.

Operation 502 includes determining whether the electric utility grid 432is available. Operation 502 is a known control operation (function) thatis executable by the inverter assembly 122.

Operations 504 and 506 are known control operations (functions) that areexecutable by the inverter assembly 122.

Operation 508 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the building thermostat 912.

Operations 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526 and 528 are knowncontrol operations (functions) that are executable by the systemcontroller 114.

Operations 532, 534 and 536 are known control operations (functions)that are executable by the system controller 114.

Operation 538 includes (to be executed by the system controller 114)sending a signal to the second switch 412, and in response the secondswitch 412 closes an electrical circuit, thereby allowing AC power (120VAC) to activate the pump controller 124 and the motor 144, which drivesthe pump assembly 110.

Operation 540 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Operation 542 includes allowing the first expander assembly 116 and thesecond expander assembly 117 to start turning on their own oncesufficient temperature and pressure is generated in the refrigerant thatleaves the evaporator assembly 118 (electronic control is may not berequired for this operation).

Operation 544 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the inverter assembly 122.

Operation 546 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Operation 548 includes having the the refrigerant high-pressure pressureswitch 218 sense (in use) the pressure from the outlet of the pumpassembly 110. For the case where the pressure increases above a pre-set(predetermined) amount, the refrigerant high-pressure pressure switch218 opens an electrical circuit interrupting a 24 VAC (volts AlternatingCurrent) signal to the gas valve 408. In response, the gas valve 408closes and the system controller 114 detects (in use) loss of flame (byway of the primary heat exchanger flame sensor switch 420). This actionstops the combustion process and the heat transfer to thevapour-expansion cycle assembly 802. The system controller 114 stops (inuse) sending a signal to the second switch 412. The second switch 412may then open an electrical circuit preventing application of 120 VACpower to the pump controller 124 and the motor 144, which drives thepump assembly 110. This should allow the refrigerant pressure todecrease below the pre-set amount. After a manual reset, the system mayrestart.

Operation 550 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Operation 552 includes having the gas valve 408 close, and the systemcontroller 114 detects (in use) loss of flame through the primary heatexchanger flame sensor switch 420. This action stops the combustionprocess and the heat transfer to the vapour-expansion cycle assembly802. The system controller 114 stops (in use) sending a signal to thesecond switch 412. The second switch 412 opens an electrical circuitpreventing application of 120 VAC power to the pump controller 124 andthe motor 144, which drives the pump assembly 110.

Operation 554 includes having the first expander assembly 116 and thesecond expander assembly 117 stop turning on their own withoutsufficient temperature and pressure from the refrigerant. No electroniccontrol is required.

Operation 556 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the building thermostat 912.

Operation 558 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Operation 560 includes having the the gas valve 408 close, and thesystem controller 114 detects (in use) loss of flame through the primaryheat exchanger flame sensor switch 420. This action stops the combustionprocess and the heat transfer to the vapour-expansion cycle assembly802. The system controller 114 stops (in use) sending a signal to thesecond switch 412. The second switch 412 opens an electrical circuitpreventing application of 120 VAC power to the pump controller 124 andthe motor 144, which drives the pump assembly 110.

Operation 562 includes having the first expander assembly 116 and thesecond expander assembly 117 stop turning on their own withoutsufficient temperature and pressure from the refrigerant. No electroniccontrol is required.

Operations 564, 566 and 568 are known control operations (functions)that are executable by the system controller 114.

Operation 570 includes having the gas valve 408 close, and systemcontroller 114 detects (in use) loss of flame through the primary heatexchanger flame sensor switch 420. This action stops the combustionprocess and the heat transfer to the vapour-expansion cycle assembly802. The system controller 114 stops (in use) sending a signal to secondswitch 412. The second switch 412 opens an electrical circuit preventingapplication of 120 VAC power to the pump controller 124 and the motor144, which drives the pump assembly 110.

Operation 572 includes the first expander assembly 116 and the secondexpander assembly 117 stop turning on their own without sufficienttemperature and pressure from the refrigerant. No electronic control isrequired.

Operations 574, 576, 578, 580, 582 and 584 are known control operations(functions) that are executable by the system controller 114.

Referring to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E and FIG. 8F,there is depicted a schematic drawing for a control process 500 (alsocalled the control algorithm).

For the case where the air-treatment apparatus 100 (the systemcontroller 114) does not operate in a heating mode, the inverterassembly 122 is configured to: (A) check the voltage level of thebattery assembly 434 and (B) use the electric utility grid 432 to chargethe battery assembly 434 (if required). For the case where the electricutility grid 432 becomes inoperative, the battery assembly 434 is notcharged. For this case, the inverter assembly 122 is powered from thebattery assembly 434.

For the case where a call for a heating signal is received by thebuilding thermostat 912, the system controller 114 is configured tocheck to make sure the interlocks are initially set in their normalstate (exhaust gas pressure switch, exhaust gas temperature switch,primary heat exchanger temperature switch). The exhaust fan 126 iscommanded to turn ON, and the system controller 114 is configured tocheck to make sure that the exhaust gas pressure switch has changedstate.

For the case where the system controller 114 is configured to commandthe hot surface ignitor in the burner assembly 158 to turn ON, and thesystem controller 114 is configured to check to make sure therefrigerant pressure switch is initially set in a normal state. Thesystem controller 114 is configured to command the control valve for thegaseous fuel supply in the burner assembly 158 to OPEN. The systemcontroller 114 is configured to check to make sure the flame sensor isturned ON after combustion is achieved. The system controller 114 isconfigured to command the hot surface ignitor to turn OFF after thecombustion is maintained.

The system controller 114 is configured to command the pump assembly 110to turn ON. The system controller 114 commands the supply fan 112 toturn ON. Once the appropriate temperature and pressure differential isattained across the expander assembly 308, the expander assembly 308 isurged to generate power (the generated electric power is directed to theinverter assembly 122). The inverter assembly 122 is configured to: (A)check the voltage level of the battery assembly 434 and (B) use thegenerator assembly 310 (by way of operation of the expander assembly308) to charge the battery assembly 434 (if required).

For the case where a call for heating signal is no longer received bythe building thermostat 912, the system controller 114 is configured tocommand the control valve for the gaseous fuel supply in the burnerassembly 158 to CLOSE. The system controller 114 is configured tocommand the pump assembly 110 to turn OFF. Once the temperature andpressure differential is no longer attained across the expander assembly308, the expander assembly 308 is configured to stop generating power.The exhaust fan 126 and the supply fan 112 are commanded to turn OFF.The building thermostat 912 is configured to wait for the next call fora heating signal.

For the case where at any time during system operation where any of theinterlocks are not in their normal state (the interlocks may include theexhaust gas pressure switch, the exhaust gas temperature switch, theprimary heat exchanger temperature switch, the refrigerant pressureswitch and the flame sensor), the system controller 114 is configured toshut down the air-treatment apparatus 100 by commanding the controlvalve for the gaseous fuel supply to turn OFF. The system controller 114is also configured to command the pump assembly 110, the exhaust fan 126and the supply fan 112 to turn OFF (where applicable). The expanderassembly 308 is configured to stop generating power once the temperatureand pressure differential is no longer attained across the expanderassembly 308.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the control process500 of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

Control process 600 for control of the building thermostat 912 operatesin the cooling mode (of operation).

Operation 602 includes determining whether the grid power is available(this operation is executed by the inverter assembly 122).

Operation 604 includes having a voltage-sensing switch (known and notdepicted) monitor the electric utility grid 432 for the presence of 120VAC power. For the case where there is a loss of 120 VAC power (on theelectric utility grid 432), the voltage-sensing switch opens (in use)the electrical circuit between the thermostat cooling mode switch 424and the system controller 114, thereby preventing a call for coolingduring a power outage.

Operations 606, 608 and 610 are known control operations (functions)that are executable by the inverter assembly 122.

Operation 612 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the building thermostat 912.

Operation 614 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Operations 616 and 618 are known control operations (functions) that areexecutable by an air conditioner 914 (depicted in FIG. 1A).

Operation 620 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the system controller 114.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted a schematic drawing for thecontrol process 500.

For the case where the air-treatment apparatus 100 (the systemcontroller 114) does not operate in the cooling mode, the inverterassembly 122 is configured to (A) check the voltage level of the batteryassembly 434 and (B) uses the electric utility grid 432 to charge thebattery assembly 434 (if required). For the case where the electricutility grid 432 becomes inoperative, the battery assembly 434 is notcharged. The inverter assembly 122 is powered from the battery assembly434.

For the case where a call for cooling signal is received by the buildingthermostat 912 while the electric utility grid 432 is operative, thesystem controller 114 is configured to command the supply fan 112 andthe independent cooling system to turn ON.

For the case where a call for cooling signal is no longer received bythe building thermostat 912, the system controller 114 is configured tocommand the independent cooling system and the supply fan 112 to turnOFF.

For the case where a call for cooling signal is received by the buildingthermostat 912 while the electric utility grid 432 is inoperative, thesystem controller 114 is configured to prevent the supply fan 112 andindependent cooling system from turning ON. This is to avoid excessivedischarge of the battery assembly 434.

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the control process500 of the air-treatment apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

Control process 700 for control of the building thermostat 912 operatesin the fan mode of operation.

Operation 702 includes determining whether the grid power is available(this operation is performed by the inverter assembly 122.

Operation 704 includes having a voltage-sensing switch (known and notdepicted) monitor (in use) the electric utility grid 432 for thepresence of 120 VAC power. For the case where there is a loss of 120 VACpower (on the electric utility grid 432), the voltage-sensing switchopens the electrical circuit between the thermostat fan mode switch 422and the system controller 114, thereby preventing a call for fancirculation during a power outage.

Operations 706, 708 and 710 are known control operations (functions)that are executable by the inverter assembly 122.

Operation 712 is a known control operation (function) that is executableby the building thermostat 912.

Operations 714 and 716 are known control operations (functions) that areexecutable by the system controller 114.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is depicted a schematic drawing for thecontrol process 500.

For the case where the air-treatment apparatus 100 (the systemcontroller 114) does not operate in the fan mode, the inverter assembly122 is configured to (A) check the voltage level of the battery assembly434 and (B) use the electric utility grid 432 to charge the batteryassembly 434 (if required). For the case where the electric utility grid432 becomes inoperative, the battery assembly 434 is not charged. Theinverter assembly 122 is powered from the battery assembly 434.

For the case where a call for fan circulation signal is received by thebuilding thermostat 912 while the electric utility grid 432 isoperative, the system controller 114 is configured to command the supplyfan 112 to turn ON.

For the case where a call for a fan circulation signal is no longerreceived by the building thermostat 912, the system controller 114 isconfigured to command the supply fan 112 to turn OFF.

For the case where a call for the fan circulation signal is received bythe building thermostat 912 while the electric utility grid 432 isinoperative, the system controller 114 is configured to prevent thesupply fan 112 from turning ON. This is to avoid excessive discharge ofthe battery assembly 434.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope ofthe claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described abovemay be connected with each other as required to perform desiredfunctions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art tomake such combinations and permutations without having to describe eachand every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly orcomponent that may be superior to any of the equivalents available tothe person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicingthe disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as thefunctions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspectsof the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. Itis understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to thescope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understoodthat the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) thedependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limitingembodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) thedescription provided outside of this document (that is, outside of theinstant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It isunderstood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalentto the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limitingembodiments (examples). The description is made for particularnon-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that thenon-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air-treatment apparatus for use with abuilding having a building air-duct circuit, and the air-treatmentapparatus comprising: an air-handler assembly being configured to urgeflow of heat along the building air-duct circuit of the building; and avapour-expansion cycle assembly being configured to receive, at least inpart, heat from the air-handler assembly, and also being configured tocirculate, at least in part, a refrigerant in response to therefrigerant receiving, at least in part, the heat from the air-handlerassembly in such a way that the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant tocirculate, and the refrigerant that circulates is used, at least inpart, to generate alternating-current electricity.
 2. An air-treatmentapparatus for use with a building having a building air-duct circuit,and the air-treatment apparatus comprising: an air-handler assemblybeing configured to: interface with the building air-duct circuit of thebuilding; generate heat; and urge flow of the heat that was generatedalong the building air-duct circuit of the building; and avapour-expansion cycle assembly being configured to interface with theair-handler assembly, and the vapour-expansion cycle assembly includinga refrigerant flow circuit being configured to: receive, at least inpart, heat from the air-handler assembly; and circulate, at least inpart, a refrigerant in response to the refrigerant receiving, at leastin part, the heat from the air-handler assembly in such a way that theheat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate along the refrigerantflow circuit, and the refrigerant that circulates along the refrigerantflow circuit is used, at least in part, to generate alternating-currentelectricity.
 3. An air-treatment apparatus for use with a buildinghaving a building air-duct circuit, and the building being surrounded byoutdoor air, and the building having a fuel being delivered thereto, andthe air-treatment apparatus comprising: an air-handler assemblyincluding: a combustion gas-flow circuit being configured to receive theoutdoor air and to receive the fuel in such a way that the fuel isburned, at least in part, thereby generating, at least in part, heat;and a handler airflow circuit being configured to interface with thebuilding air-duct circuit and also being configured to interface withthe combustion gas-flow circuit in such a way that the heat, which wasgenerated at least in part in the combustion gas-flow circuit, flowsalong the building air-duct circuit of the building; and avapour-expansion cycle assembly including a refrigerant flow circuitbeing configured to: interface with the combustion gas-flow circuit ofthe air-handler assembly and the handler airflow circuit of theair-handler assembly; receive, at least in part, the heat that wasgenerated by the combustion gas-flow circuit of the air-handler assemblyand the heat that flows, at least in part, along the handler airflowcircuit of the air-handler assembly; and circulate, at least in part, arefrigerant in response to the refrigerant receiving, at least in part,the heat that was generated by the combustion gas-flow circuit of theair-handler assembly and the heat that flows, at least in part, alongthe handler airflow circuit of the air-handler assembly in such a waythat the heat, in use, urges the refrigerant to circulate along therefrigerant flow circuit, and the refrigerant that circulates along therefrigerant flow circuit is used, at least in part, to generatealternating-current electricity.
 4. The air-treatment apparatus of claim3, wherein: the air-handler assembly is configured to: be positionedwithin the building; be coupled to the building air-duct circuit;receive, at least in part, a flow of the outdoor air and the flow of thefuel; burn, at least in part, the fuel that was received by using theoutdoor air that was received in such a way that the fuel that is burnedgenerates, at least in part, heat; and provide, at least in part, theheat that was generated by the building air-duct circuit of thebuilding.
 5. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 3, wherein: thevapour-expansion cycle assembly is configured to: be positioned relativeto the air-handler assembly in such a way that the heat is received fromthe air-handler assembly.
 6. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 3,wherein: the vapour-expansion cycle assembly is further configured to:provide, at least in part, the heat, which was received and was not usedto convert into the alternating-current electricity, to the building. 7.The air-treatment apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a generatorassembly configured to generate the alternating-current electricity; andan expander assembly configured to: be fluidly coupled to therefrigerant flow circuit in such a way that circulation of therefrigerant along the refrigerant flow circuit, in use, urges operationof the expander assembly; and be operatively connected to the generatorassembly in such a way that operation of the expander assembly causesthe generator assembly to generate the alternating-current electricity.8. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: aninverter assembly being configured to: receive, at least in part, thealternating-current electricity generated by the vapour-expansion cycleassembly; convert, at least in part, the alternating-current electricitythat was received from the vapour-expansion cycle assembly intodirect-current electricity; a battery assembly being configured to:receive, at least in part, the direct-current electricity from theinverter assembly; store, at least in part, the direct-currentelectricity; and provide, at least in part, the direct-currentelectricity to the air-handler assembly and the vapour-expansion cycleassembly in such a way that the air-handler assembly and thevapour-expansion cycle assembly are operatively powered.
 9. Theair-treatment apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the inverter assembly isfurther configured to: receive, at least in part, thealternating-current electricity from an electric utility grid for thecase where the alternating-current electricity is not received by theinverter assembly from the vapour-expansion cycle assembly; and provide,at least in part, the alternating-current electricity received from theelectric utility grid to the battery assembly.
 10. The air-treatmentapparatus of claim 8, wherein: the inverter assembly is furtherconfigured to: provide, at least in part, the alternating-currentelectricity that was received from the vapour-expansion cycle assemblyfor the case where the alternating-current electricity is required bythe building.
 11. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising: a heat-exchanger assembly being configured to: receive, atleast in part, exhaust air and heat from the air-handler assembly;separate, at least in part, heat that was received from the exhaust airthat was received; provide, at least in part, the heat that was removedfrom the exhaust air to the building; and provide, at least in part, theexhaust air that was received to the outdoor air located outside of thebuilding.
 12. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising: a heat-exchanger assembly; and a pre-heater assembly;wherein: the heat-exchanger assembly is configured to: receive, at leastin part, exhaust air and heat from the air-handler assembly; separate,at least in part, heat that was received from the exhaust air that wasreceived; provide, at least in part, the heat that was removed from theexhaust air to the pre-heater assembly; and provide, at least in part,the exhaust air that was received to the outdoor air located outside ofthe building; and the pre-heater assembly is configured to: receive, atleast in part, the outdoor air; receive, at least in part, the heat thatwas provided by the heat-exchanger assembly; mix, at least in part, theoutdoor air that was received with the heat that was received; andprovide, at least in part, the outdoor air that was mixed with heat tothe air-handler assembly.
 13. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 3,wherein: the combustion gas-flow circuit includes: an air intake vent; aburner assembly; a primary heat exchanger; a mixing node; an exhaustfan; a motor; and an exhaust gas vent; wherein: the air intake vent isfluidly coupled to the burner assembly; the burner assembly is fluidlycoupled to the primary heat exchanger; the primary heat exchanger isfluidly coupled to the mixing node; the mixing node is fluidly coupledto an evaporator assembly of the refrigerant flow circuit; the exhaustfan is fluidly coupled to the evaporator assembly of the refrigerantflow circuit; the motor is operatively connected to the exhaust fan insuch a way that the motor, in use, turns the exhaust fan, and theexhaust fan, in use, urges flow of air along the combustion gas-flowcircuit; and the exhaust gas vent is fluidly coupled to the exhaust fan.14. The air-treatment apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the handler airflowcircuit includes: a building air supply; a building air return; and asupply fan; wherein: the building air return is fluidly connected to thesupply fan having a fan motor operatively connected to the supply fan insuch a way that the fan motor, in use, urges the supply fan to move airalong the handler airflow circuit; the supply fan is fluidly connectedto a condenser assembly of the refrigerant flow circuit; the condenserassembly of the refrigerant flow circuit is fluidly connected to aprimary heat exchanger of the combustion gas-flow circuit; and thebuilding air supply is fluidly coupled to the primary heat exchanger ofthe combustion gas-flow circuit.
 15. The air-treatment apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein: the refrigerant flow circuit includes: a condenserassembly; a pump assembly; and an evaporator assembly; wherein: thecondenser assembly is fluidly connected to the pump assembly; the pumpassembly has a motor operatively connected thereto in such a way thatthe pump assembly, in use, circulates the refrigerant along therefrigerant flow circuit; the evaporator assembly is fluidly connectedto the pump assembly; the evaporator assembly is also fluidly connectedto an expander assembly, and the expander assembly is operativelyconnected to 1 generator assembly in such a way that movement of therefrigerant along the refrigerant flow circuit (in use) urges theexpander assembly to rotate, and in response to rotation of the expanderassembly, the generator assembly is made to rotate and generate thealternating-current electricity; and the evaporator assembly is alsofluidly connected to the expander assembly.
 16. The air-treatmentapparatus of claim 7, wherein: the expander assembly includes: a firstexpander assembly; and a second expander assembly operatively coupled tothe first expander assembly; and the generator assembly includes; afirst generator assembly operatively coupled to the first expanderassembly; and a second generator assembly operatively coupled to thesecond expander assembly; and the first generator assembly and thesecond generator assembly are connected together in such a way that thefirst generator assembly and the second generator assembly operativelyprovide the alternating-current electricity.